Boat top options to consider?

[GearUp]

Just about to have Jeff at NW Boat Tops replace the top on my 18' custom weld. :dance: Are there any features or options that you have or wish you had on your boat top that I should consider having Jeff do? Not sure how many options there are for a boat top other than height and length. :whazzup: Just thought I would ask.

[Webdog]

GearUp,

There is some different types of material that can be used for a top. I Have the Top Gun material on my boat. It's heavier and probably more durable than most other materials. Ask about your choices of material type and colors available.

[Sturgeon Tom]

GearUp have the tubes double tubed and they will never bend, even when trailering. You want to be able to drive with you tops up. Tony at Tony's tops has done mine on a couple boats and they work grate. Never had one fail.
Make sure you get Mold Free frabric.

[Wright Angle]

On my Hewescraft top one of the options was called a zipper flap. I almost didn't get it but at the last moment changed my mind and Im glad I did...The zipper flap allows me to open the center window on my walk through windshield without having to unsnap any snaps...just un-zip and swing open the window. If I remember right it was $57.00 W.A.
http://www.ifish.net/uploads/244907155.jpg http://www.ifish.net/uploads/105007155.jpg http://www.ifish.net/uploads/005507155.jpg

[Pete]

The zipper flap is way cool!

I've got steel hoops on my top. I'd never go back to aluminum which I had previously.

One feature I love about my top is that it is easy to stow ... I can rest the rolled up top along the top of my windshield and it's out of the way, but if I want to use it, I can just pop it up. By contrast, I've seen boats where the top folds down only into the fishing area or along the back deck, preventing access to the light post or other features. The last thing I love about my top is that it is tall enough to walk inside without stooping or removing my hat.

[Wright Angle]

Yes Pete I agree about the top laying nice and neat across the top of the windshield, mine does. Another option I ordered was a top boot to put the rolled up top in before I lay it on the windshield, it makes a clean out of the way stow...

I like my tall top option also, Im 5'10" tall and can stand full up right with out my hat touching. The tall top is a little bit of a pain if the wind is blowing, Big sail.

[GearUp]

This is some great stuff!!
:grin:
We are talking top gun in lots of shades (he said stay away from white though - shows all the dirt all the time), he mentioned double tubing and even stainless bars but those add considerable cost. He said that no top should be trailered for long distance. Even though the structural integrity of the top is sound, the wind turbulence induced stress on the fabric will slowly cause the seems to be worked resulting in the enlarging of the stitching holes and eventual leaking. It's what he said.

One question on the zipper flap. It looks like the fabric is attached to the walk through window as the window pivots on its hinges. My window has a different kind of hinge that takes the window further away from the windshield as it pivots than on yours - at least as far as I can tell from the pic. I'm sure Jeff can do it right, just wanted to confirm your window opens with the fabric attached on the hinge side. Is this making any sense?

It does look like a great opt.

[fishingfirst]

One option I wish I had would be different fasteners. My top has the snaps, and a big wind gust will unsnap the top along the back sides of the boat. When one of my buddies had his top made I suggested he get a least a couple of the back snaps replaced with the swivel top fasteners. Not sure what the proper name for them is, but the canvas has a grommet that fits over a small swivel type t-post, this post swivels sideways to hold the canvas down, rather that trying to snap the canvas down. The place that makes the top will know what you are talking about, and it doesn't cost that much more to have a couple of them put in. I would suggest at least one on each side of the boat, if I were having a top made, I would have these all along the sides.

Good luck with the top.
Scott

[Wright Angle]

The fabric is attached to the walk through window. That might be a problem for your window.

http://www.ifish.net/uploads/300609155.jpg http://www.ifish.net/uploads/300709155.jpg

[GearUp]

Hey Wright Angle: Are you shooting these pics as your posting here? If not, you have a nice selection of boat top pics. Thanks a bunch!! :smile: :smile:

Oh yea those swivel connectors are called "common sense" - Bentley's told me that last year when I had a few put on my boat. The only thing about them is that they are not low profile and stick up ready to get knocked off or scratch someone if they are sitting on the gunnel when the top is off.

[ 06-05-2003, 09:22 AM: Message edited by: GearUp ]

[Wright Angle]

Im shooting them as I need them...LOL...the neighbors must think Im nuts...they might be right.. :grin:

[ 06-05-2003, 09:28 AM: Message edited by: Wright Angle ]

[Time Off]

I really like that zipper flap option. I have seen just snaps, and the velcro option. I think I like the zipper better for quickly getting to the anchor rope. :cheers:

[Skipper]

I wish there was a fix for the zippers. I don't appreciate having seawater leak from the zippers down to my instruments. Only 3 years and I've got corrosion on the dash.

I used to think that 3 zippers above the widow for a walk thru windshield, was a good idea. Now I'm glad I only requested 2.

I keep saying my next boat will have a hard top, so water won't drip in.

I find myself using the top on rainy days to stay dry, and hot days for the shade.

Cheerio'
Skipper